Continuing to build on their existing Dark Side of the Moon collection, this year Omega introduced four new models to the line: Black Black, Sedna Black, Pitch Black, and Vintage Black. Each model comes with a case constructed entirely from a single block of black zirconium oxide ceramic. All models have black bezels, straps and cases as their names suggest. There are slight differences in the materials used within the dial. The collection draws inspiration from the astronauts of NASA’s Apollo 8 mission.

The Black Black

The Speedmaster “Black Black” sports an elegant all-in black theme. Even the hands and indexes are coated with black Super-LumiNova. This doesn’t take away from the legibility and the model remains one of the more austere and minimalistic choices in the collection, with a price tag of $12,000. Its black leather strap has ecru stitching and a ceramic folding clasp.

The Sedna Black

The “Sedna Black.” Has an exclusive rose-gold alloy incorporated into its detailing. The dial, bezel, and case are made of entirely black ceramic, but 18K rose-gold complements some elements – indexes and hands, as well as the bezel’s the outer edge. The gaps, the central hour, minute, and chronograph seconds hand, as well as the indexes and dots at 12 o’clock are coated in “Vintage” Super-LumiNova. Price for the model is $15,000.

The Pitch Black

The model prominently features the Super-LumiNova in every detail on the dial and bezel. Its matte-black ceramic dial contrasts with the greenish hue of the LumiNova on the indexes, hands, chapter ring, signage, date wheel, and the tachymeter scale on the ceramic bezel. The Pitch Black Speedmaster is sold for $12,000.

The Vintage Black

The only model from the Dark Side of the Moon collection set on a brown leather strap. The Vintage Black has varnished brown hour indexes that match the “vintage” Super-LumiNova on its hands and dial. The tachymeter scale sports the same color of luminous coating. With a brushed ceramic case and a matte ceramic dial, the hands of the watch are also blackened, while the subdial hands remain brown. Price for the model is $12,000.

Vintage watches have always had a certain appeal to them highly valued by connoisseurs and collectors, but when it comes to vintage chronographs – there is something truly special. The most exciting period for chronograph watches were the 60s and 70s with no two timepieces ever being alike, so let’s take a look at some models that are definitely keepsakes.

Omega Speedmaster “Pre-Moon”

An icon on its own, the Omega Speedmaster shines with design and technology. The officially-approved NASA mission piece was originally designed for racecar drivers and is now one of the most beloved luxurious models in the world. A 1967-model was recently sold for $3,550 at a recent commemorative Speedmaster sale by Christie’s.

Heuer Viceroy Autavia

The racing chronograph is a synonym for exquisite design and superior metrics and it’s difficult to come across an older model in pristine condition. This is what makes this 1973-watch so valuable with its perfectly preserved colours and minimal scratches, giving it the price tag of $3,750.

Zenith Red Vignette El Primero

The unusual Zenith Red Vignette El Primero sports an eccentric case design that makes it stand out from the multitude of chronographs. Its bright red dial and shimmering bracelet would definitely not go unnoticed and convey the disco spirit of the 70s. It can be yours for $5,000.

Rolex Daytona Ref. 6263

To this date the Rolex Daytona remains the gold standard, which all chronograph watches are measured against. Its qualities in terms of technology and precision are unparalleled and the sleek, refined design has shaped countless trends in the fashion world. This explains the asking price of $40,000, which guarantees a watch in excellent condition with all of its signature trademarks like the red signature at 6 o’clock, a lightly faded dial, and a glossy black bezel – restored to their full glory and shine.

The exquisite world of haute horology has witnessed a true electromechanical marvel just in time for the holidays. Piaget’s newest model – the Emperador Coussin XL 700P – is the first watch to combine mechanical power with electronic timekeeping in a unique hybrid movement. This is a remarkable feature that continues to put the brand at the forefront of innovation and superb craftsmanship in the fine watch-making industry.

Made of solid white gold with an elegant black bezel that is ADLC-coated, the new model brings together the oversized proportions of a sports watch with clean aesthetic of a dress watch. The design exhibits beautiful contrast and visual structure. It is visibly masculine with a very powerful yet refined presence.

The real worth of the timepiece, however, lies within the method of manufacture and the mechanism it employs. It still uses the traditional mechanical spring as a power source, but crystal quartz is installed to keep the time. This crystal is of significantly higher quality than the one found in a Swatch. It is used to regulate the movement of a flywheel, which when spinning controls all other gears. The precise movement of the crystal permits for more accuracy.

It is the first time Piaget experiments with this technology and the result is nothing short of spectacular – both visually and performance-wise. Their revered skeletonized design is present in the Emperador Coussin XL 700P as well, complementing the sleek, refined look of the model. With only 118 pieces set to be manufactured, price has been announced at $70,000 a piece and there is a waiting list for eager buyers.

The Emperador Coussin XL 700P is a eautiful continuation of Piaget’s proud traditions in watch-making and is, by far, the biggest technological leap the brand has taken to date. It is yet unclear whether it’s going to be a stand-alone model or the beginning of a series of electromechanical watches, but in either case it’s a sight to behold.

Christie’s New York final watch auction for the year boasts an impressive 193-piece catalog featuring a wide array of models. Renowned brand Patek Philippe is heavily featured in the sale with some of their finest and rarest watches. Here’s a more detailed look at the top 5 timepieces that are worth your time and money.

Audemars Piguet Ref. 5516 Perpetual Calendar (Lot 162)

With only nine watches of this model ever created, the uniquely rare model is truly a timepiece worthy of any collection. Its iconic status is defined by the fact that it was the first to feature a perpetual calendar with a leap year on the dial. Its estimated price is between $150,000 and $300,000.

Patek Philippe Ref. 5020 (Lot 191)

Although it was not too popular when it was first presented to the public, today the perpetual calendar chronograph boasts certain elegance and classic appeal that is prized amongst connoisseurs. The white gold watch exhibits refined class and is estimated to cost between $200,000 and $300,000.

Breguet Dive Watch (Lot 120)

This dive watch is particularly rare and made in the far-away 1962. It has a black dial with luminous markers and a script Breguet signature at 12 o’clock. A bakelite bezel provides an elegant finish to the entire composition. The signature Breguet Dive Watch is expected to cost between $60,000 and $80,000.

Steel Ref. 1463 (Lot 188)

The brand has been known to favour steel in its watches and only a few models in the early 20s were made in other materials. This classic 1463 chronometer sports Breguet numerals as well as an elegant tachymeter scale around the edge of the dial. The price is estimated to be between $180,000 and $280,000.

Patek Philippe Ref. 2497 (Lot 63)

A beautiful minimal model with classic appearance and refined elegance. The yellow-gold 1953 watch has some surprisingly modern features, such as a moonphase and date indicators. Its price is in the region of $200,000 to $400,000.

Britain’s most notorious spy has always been a man of impeccable style and as such – you can be certain he’ll be sporting the latest in technology when it comes to gadgets in the movie. The highly anticipated last instalment of the Bond franchise – Spectre – that hit cinemas this fall is no exception.

As Goldfinger marked the change of the classic Rolex to the more aggressive and technological Omega, the latest James Bond movie sees Daniel Craig change a few impressive models of the brand that are worth looking into. For an entire generation the Omega watch has become synonymous with 007’s signature timeless style and refined demeanour.

Casino Royale saw Britain’s favourite spy wearing two stunning Omega models –the Seamaster 300m chronometer and a 45.5 mm Seamaster Planet Ocean 600m Co-Axial chronometer. The choice of timepieces was particularly fitting as a lot of the action in the movie takes place underwater. The blue-faced Seamaster 300m is a classically elegant stainless steel creation with automatic movement and blue bezel. Its original price is between $1,000.00 and $1,299.00. With such features it’s no wonder Omega’s Seamaster 300m makes an appearance in 2015’s Spectre as well and the Swiss brand have even announced the release a limited-edition version of the movie-worn watch on a black-and-gray NATO strap.

The Omega Seamaster 300 “SPECTRE” Limited Edition boasts the same clean elegant design as the basic model, albeit with a few minor changes to the design. Its black dial with a 12-hour scale is made of LiquidMetal and a two-way rotation of the bezel indicates a second time zone. 7,007 models will be produced, priced at $7,500 each and made available at select Omega boutiques.

The Seamaster 600m is another spectacular watch with impressive capabilities that include water resistance to 600 metres, a helium-escape valve, a 45.5 mm stainless steel case and black ceramic unidirectional rotating bezel. The dial is scratch-resistant and made of sapphire crystal. It retails for about $20,000.

The second edition of the Watches & Wonders fair took place in the international hub of Hong Kong from September the 30th to October the 3rd. it brought together the most celebrated watch-making brands in the world, which could exhibit their models by invitation only. The event, organized by Fondation de la Haute Horlogerie, took a step forward in becoming one of the most anticipated annual events in the fine-watchmaking calendar.

Amongst some of the more renowned brands to participate were established jewellery and watch-making houses Cartier, Piaget, Montblanc and Jaeger-LeCoultre –these being the epitome of French Maisons of international standing. IWC – the Swiss manufacturer owned by Richemon – was also featured in an effort to expand into the Asian market and establish itself as an innovative and cutting-edge haute horlogerie company. This event was viewed as an ideal opportunity for the socially-responsible and creative brand to demonstrate its bespoke engineering ingenuity and sustainable production commitment once again.

Check some videos from the exhibition, credits to MingWatch for providing them:

French Maison Cartier unveiled one of the best models at the event – the Clé de Cartier watch, which exhibits two of the brand’s most recognizable elements: the flying tourbillon and the mysterious movement. Three exquisite timepieces for $45,200 each, featuring diamond-set cases, intricate technical characteristics and black lacquered mahogany boxes were introduced.

The Montblanc Metamorphosis II watch comes in a limited edition of 18 pieces that completely transform the aesthetic and function of the watch’s dial. An ingenious mechanism splits open like a curtain the hours and date subdials to reveal the chronograph indices underneath. Asking price for this model is €270,000.

The Bulova lunar watch that still has ‘moon dust’ on it went on sale for $1million. Originally worn by U.S. astronaut Colonel David Scott, it is the only watch in the third EVA of Apollo 15 mission that wasn’t issued by NASA.

With its original Velcro strap still attached, the Bulova watch has clocked a total of 546 hours in space across three separate missions – Gemini 8, Apollo 9 and Apollo 15. The condition of the piece is remarkable, considering its history – there is minimal rust likely caused during splashdown, on the back of the strap, but it doesn’t take away from the watch’s worth.

The precision timepiece is available to the general public for the first time since NASA collected all mission-related objects and returned them to the astronauts upon completion. Additionally, it is the only watch to have made it in space that is not the NASA-approved Omega.

Worn during the famous Galileo Test conducted on the Moon in zero gravity and commemorated in the picture, where Scott salutes the American flag on the lunar surface – the Bulova lunar watch is a fascinating piece of historic memorabilia. Fortunately, it is the only watch not to end in a museum after the missions were completed and, instead, returned to its owner.

This timepiece is a true representation of the way quality and elegance can withstand time. Scratches from the re-entry into Earth’s atmosphere are minimal and the original NASA-velcro wrap can be substituted from something more elegant and complementing to the watch’s historic worth.

Consigned directly by Scott himself, the RR Auction will also feature several photographs of Scott wearing the Bulova during the missions. With the residual lunar material, NASA-issued strap and a few wear-and-tear signs, it remains the only watch to have made it to the general public and presents a unique opportunity.

An exhibition of 25 of the most exceptional Panthère timepieces recently made headlines around the globe. Celebrating the brand’s most innovative and elaborate creations, it celebrated outstanding class and unparalleled elegance relayed in a variety of materials and precious stones. Available for purchase from £25,000 to £500,000, all models were available by appointment in either Harrods’ Private Penthouse or the Cartier boutique in the store from August 15th to September 6th. Check their website for more info, www.cartier.com.

Displaying feminine watchmaking in its finest, the exceptional Panthère timepieces explore the beauty and power of the feline figure through mesmerizing diamond and enamel spot patterns. A true representation of independence and the untameable feminine spirit, no other timepieces even come close to reflecting a woman’s mysterious nature and gracious physique so well as evidenced by the stand-out Panthère Divine de Cartier piece – perfectly executed in in 18ct white gold, diamonds and enamel.

The large model Tortue exhibits an exquisite mosaic panther crafted onto an 18ct rose-gold dial, merging jewellery and timepiece into one sublime creation. This model is produced in a limited edition of 30 individually numbered pieces and boasts a manual winding movement. Another striking model is the damascened Rotonde de Cartier, which displays a more ferocious feline design complemented with a brown alligator strap and fashioned from 18ct white and 22ct yellow gold.

All models in the exhibition are adorned with playful and elegant animal figures, which give them a rather unusual, albeit eye-catching, allure. The sumptuous timepieces are generously embellished with diamonds, 18k yellow and white gold, black onyx and mother-of-pearl. A custom-designed, self-winding 9603 MC calibre mechanism helps recreate the elegant and ever-so-gracious movement of the panther on the dial with the animal “prowling” around the dial.

A coffee-table book for £120 details Cartier’s fascination with recreating Nature’s finest through precious stones and materials. 300 colour illustrations display the maison’s most striking creations.

The latest addition to the LV range – the Tambour Heures du Monde watch – is a must-have accessory for the avid traveller or businessman. The timepiece transcends 24 time zones and comes with an aggressive, sophisticated and elegant design that will appeal to the contemporary gentleman.

Its unique asymmetrical face is wrapped in a steel case and an anti-reflective sapphire glass casing. The satin-finished grey dial features an off-centre subdial decorated with a map of the globe. Additionally, there abbreviations of the names of 24 cities corresponding to different time zones, which are subtle but legible in white and yellow. Day and night are differentiated in white and grey respectively and an aperture positioned to the right of the watch’s date window points to the current hour in the tracked time zone.

A convenient feature allows for a second time zone to be set via a pusher on the watch’s steel case. There is also a small corrector that allows for compensation of daylight-saving adjustments. The $9,450-watch boasts a clean, refined and masculine design with an observable rotor engraved with the iconic LV logo.
The alligator strap complements the severe but sophisticated layout of the case. Subtle yellow stitching adds a note of whimsy and edge to the rigid design. In terms of mechanics – the infamous LV 101 Automatic calibre has been incorporated for unparalleled precision. The watch exhibits a 40-hour power reserve as well as 50m water resistance, bringing together quality, convenience and luxury.
The GMT function of the Tambour Heures du Monde watch emphasises the origin of the brand as a travel-trunk manufacturer. It is an exceptional timepiece that encompasses the necessities of a watch of its calibre as well as contemporary elegance and refined class – a true statement accessory for the modern man.

Based on a 1970s concept, the Zenith El Primero 410 is a surprisingly contemporary watch that brings together utility and elegance. It boasts the impressive automatic column-wheel chronograph movement with moon phase and calendar functions, which was briefly discontinued by Zenith at the beginning of 2000.

The limited edition of the model features 500 pieces, retailing for £14,600 each. The watch can be ordered in steel or rose gold and has a beautiful tonneau-shaped case attached to an alligator strap. It is worth mentioning the historical and technical significance of the watch, stemming from the original prototype it is based upon. Copying the dial layout and overall styling of the original model, the Zenith El Primero 410 is substantially larger than its predecessor, although some of the key elements remain the same – the placement of subdials, calendar apertures, and tachymeter.

One of the benefits of the larger case is that it displays elegantly the highly-detailed dial without compromising the strict, clean design of the original model. Conceptually, the new watch is more fluid and refined in terms of layout, fitting well contextually in the lifestyle of the contemporary gentleman by combining luxury and functionality.

The Zenith El Primero 410 runs at 5 Hz with 390 components, which are visible through the sapphire case. There are three distinctive functions in addition to the basic timekeeping. It boasts two dials – the main one has a 30-minute register at 3 o’clock and a 12-hour register at 6 o’clock. The calendar function sits well within the overall layout of the case without compromising the readability of the dial.
An interesting feature is the moon phase function, which sits at 6 o’clock in the 12-hour register. The steel blue background makes the golden moon set stand out with subtle elegance. This is the only colour element on the vintage-inspired watch and it adds a touch of trendiness to the conservative design.